Man jailed for sledgehammer assault

Paul Hugh Johnson, 54, (31.08.63) of Clarence Road, Canning Town, Newham was arrested on 22 January and charged the following day.

On Wednesday, 12 July, he was found guilty by the jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court of grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced on Friday, 8 September, to eight years' imprisonment.

The jury heard that at approximately 22:30hrs on Sunday, 22 January, the 39-year-old victim was residing with Johnson in shared accommodation on Clinton Road, Newham.

Johnson approached the victim and accused him of damaging his washing machine. Johnson went into his room and used a sledgehammer to hit the victim three times across his head and shoulders.

As the victim tried to wrestle with Johnson, he grabbed the hammer and fell down the stairs with the hammer. The victim became unconscious as he saw Johnson chase after him with a plank of wood.

As the victim lay unconscious at the base of the stairs bleeding, Johnson returned to his room and played cards with his partner. Only when the victim regained consciousness was he able to call police.

London Ambulance Service attended and took the victim to an east London hospital where he received six stitches to his forehead.

Johnson was arrested that evening and throughout the interview denied the allegation. He was charged the following day and remanded in custody at Thames Magistrates Court.

Detective Constable Raf Patel, investigating officer at Newham CID said: "This is a horrible and sustained attack on a fellow resident in the house. The victim is still recovering from his ordeal and is grateful to see justice served."